7 Amenities to Look For In Your Next Neighbourhood
August 5, 2020 7:00 amWhen buying a home, the surrounding neighbourhood is just as important as the home itself. Of course, it’s essential to purchase a property that meets your wants and needs – but the area you choose and surrounding amenities are likely to have the largest impact on your quality of life.
When it comes to ensuring maximum happiness with your next Edmonton community, here are seven amenities to look for:
1. An Easy Commute
No one wants to spend countless hours traveling to and from work. That’s why having convenient access to nearby transit options and/or commuter roads is priority number one for many home buyers. Be sure to ask yourself how much time it will take you to get from your potential new home to your workplace and other areas of the city before committing.
2. Schools
For busy parents, having a school located right in the community is a huge bonus as it prevents them from worrying about bus routes or having to shuttle their children back and forth on their own. Even if you don’t have kids, opting for a neighbourhood that includes at least one school is ideal for property and resale values.
3. Shops and Services
While you may not want a massive shopping hub smack dab in the middle of your neighbourhood, having a variety of retailers and services nearby is certainly a plus. Grocery stores, for example, are a necessity to every home, and families are sure to appreciate having doctors, dentists, and other major retailers just a short distance away.
4. Parks and Green Spaces
When the weather’s nice (in Edmonton especially), enjoying time outdoors is an absolute must. Having access to parks, green spaces, playgrounds, bike paths, and walking trails is a sure-fire way to get out and get active. Some communities may even include other outdoor-friendly amenities such as an off-leash dog park, basketball or tennis court, skate park and more.
5. Restaurants and Entertainment
Maybe you’re a self-proclaimed foodie or an avid movie go-er. Perhaps you love being able to meet with friends at the local pub for your regular Friday night hangout. Whatever the case may be, having places to relax, visit and have fun outside your home is a near-necessary bonus.
6. Recreation
Of course, recreation does mean having access to the restaurants, pubs, theatres and other entertainment venues mentioned above. But it also refers to nearby Edmonton recreation centres, local community leagues (many of which offer family-friendly programming), libraries, golf courses, arenas and more.
7. Walkability
Get where you need to go without relying on a car to get you there. A walkable neighbourhood should have a variety of amenities within walking distance as well as ample well-connected streets, sidewalks and pathways. Walkability may be especially important for homeowners with children, where busy streets and intersections present a safety concern.
For further advice on how to pick your perfect Edmonton community, download our free All-In-One Guide to Choosing the Right Edmonton Neighbourhood. Here, you’ll learn more about:
- Distinguishing Between Current and Future Wants vs. Needs
- Types of Home Styles and Where to Find Them
- How a REALTOR® Can Help
- And Much More!
Related:
- 6 Questions To Ask Yourself When Choosing a Neighbourhood
- 6 Reasons to Buy Your Home In a Bedroom Community
- Edmonton Real Estate: Why Now is a GREAT Time to Buy a Home
Photo credits: Shutterstock.com
Tags: buyingCategorised in: Communities
This post was written by Terry Paranych Real Estate Group